SGM Entrance Level Study Examination Held at 37 Venues Nationwide
On 11 and 12 July 2026, SGM held the entrance level study examination at 37 venues nationwide, with 568 candidates participating. Through studying the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, candidates further deepened their faith and conviction.
The examination syllabus covered the Gosho writings “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” “Letter to the Sage Nichimyō” and “The Embankments of Faith,” as well as topics from The Basics of Buddhism, including the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddhist philosophy of life, the history of the Soka Gakkai and repudiating the Nikken sect.
In his congratulatory message, Soka Gakkai president Minoru Harada praised the candidates for their vibrant seeking spirit and diligent study of Buddhist teachings. He also expressed his appreciation to the fellow members who had supported and encouraged the candidates throughout their preparation, as well as to all the staff involved in organising and administering the examination. Quoting guidance from President Ikeda, President Harada encouraged everyone to strive to become people who “pass the test of faith” and “pass the test of happiness,” putting what they had learnt into practice and advancing victoriously in life by embodying the “two ways of practice and study.”
Speaking to candidates at the SGM Culture Centre examination venue, SGM study department leader Chia Kok Peng shared the example of two women’s division members from Selangor who had diligently completed the oral examination the previous year. He praised their lifelong seeking spirit, saying they exemplified the principle of “never being too old to learn.” He emphasised that Soka Gakkai study examinations are intended to enable everyone to study Buddhism.
One women’s division candidate shared that although she had embraced faith for 40 years, she never found the courage to take the study examination. Encouraged by her children, she finally decided to register this year. Through careful preparation, she gained a deeper understanding of Nichiren Buddhism, strengthened her conviction and further reinforced her faith.
Reported by Kaneko Wong, photographed by Chin Vui Lip, Eu Jie Li, Lum Heng, Ng Yann Fae and Gooi Choo Kheng
A candidate concentrating on answering the examination questions, with a pencil sharpener on the desk – a distinctive feature of the examination hall. (Kuala Lumpur)SGM Amala Group members taking the entrance level study examination with dedication, deepening their understanding of Buddhism and strengthening their conviction. (Kuala Lumpur)An invigilator patiently assisting an elderly candidate in completing the oral examination. (Penang)Elderly candidates embodying the lifelong seeking spirit of “never being too old to learn” through their actions. (Johor)Candidates immersing themselves in the examination, further consolidating their study of Buddhism. (Melaka)Candidates remaining fully focused throughout the examination, demonstrating their sincere seeking spirit. (Sabah)
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